What ails Muslims in India – Muslims can emerge as force to reckon with by adopting “Single candidate formula” in elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies in India

By M. A. Kakroo

Muslims the largest minority in India is commonly back-ward economically, educationally and politically. Currently the muslims in India are relegated to forced citizen status in view of the facts brought out by creditable committees and institutions in India. The total population of muslims in India was indicated at 17 crore souls i.e. 14% of total population here as per census 2011, but actually the number of muslims ought to have been over 25 crore souls, i.e. 20% because the annual growth rate of muslims on average (net) is worked out at 5%.

Economically, the muslims in India are very backward. 93% muslims living in rural areas do not own any land for farming. 95% muslims in rural areas in India are deprived of free ration under AAY Scheme. Only 3% muslims avail loan facilities under centrally sponsored schemes for welfare of poor Indians. Hardly two and one percent muslims own tractors and hand pumps respectively in India. Currently two crore muslims in the age group of 18-50 years are unemployed and equal number is engaged in servile jobs. The muslims hardly constitute three percent in central services when sikh and Christians who constitute hardly four percent to total Indian population hold more than double the share of muslims together at present. The share of muslims in state services is dismal. The percentage of muslim employees in states where they constitute 18% to 35% to total population is revealed by the following facts;

and the representations of Muslims in state services in rest of states in India is negligible. It is shocking that in J&K State (India) where Muslim represent over 2/3 to total population hold hardly 50% in state services when such representation in judiciary departments is hardly 48%. Are Muslims in J&K State commonly illiterate.

Educationally, the Muslims in India are commonly illiterate as the literacy rate of Muslims here is hardly 35% against 65% as per census 2011. It is on record that 60% in urban and 50% in rural areas, Muslims in India have never attended any educational institution to receive formal education here. However Muslims have earned distinction as jail mates across India because they are doubted on flimsy grounds and are put behind bars. Officially Muslim detenues in jails in India stood at 33%, 28% and 27% in states Maharashtra, Gujarat and Delhi at present respectively, which speaks itself the harassment and intimidation being exercised by central / state administration against Muslims.

Politically Muslims in India have been used vote banks since 1947. Prior to year 2000, the number of Muslim members in Lok Sabha used to be over 50 and same was recorded at 33 in 2009 and was reduced to mere 23 in 2014-Lok Sabha Elections. Accordingly the number of members in state assemblies in India is on declining trend. In U.P., the number of Muslim members in State Assembly during 2012 Election was recorded at 68 and same numbered to 25 in the recently held state assembly elections i.e. 2017. This indicates the bias the hatred and the prejudice is exercised by Hindu establishments against the Muslims in India. Besides Muslim leaders both religious and political have failed utterly to keep the Muslim together. In India, the wakf property numbers to five lacks and land etc. under these properties measures to over six lakh acres but total revenue realized annually amounts to Rs. 163 crores only. it is believed that the wakf property in India may yield Rs. 12000 crores a year, if these are managed and administered effectively and efficiently. To retrieve the encroached wakf property across India, suitable steps are required to be initiated on priority.

India cannot grow economically and politically strong unless all communities particularly the Muslims are given their due share to improve their lot. Therefore, Muslims are required to be given responsible share in governance of central and state affairs in India. To make sure that Indian Muslim grow economically and socially, the following measures are required to be adopted on priority.

1. The enumeration of Muslims in India be arranged on actual basis so that the actual number of Muslims living in India is worked out. If no special survey in this behalf is carried on immediately, the census to be conducted in 2021, should take care of it.
2. The representation of Muslims in central services be fixed at 14% as backward community.
3. The reservation of Muslim students in higher educational, technical, medicines, universities run by government of India and state governments in order to improve their lot be fixed at 14% at minimum.
4. Muslims, who live below the poverty line which is estimated at over 70% in India, be provided free ration as is available to Hindus and other non-Muslims. Moreso, the hygienic shelter for Muslims who currently live in slums / juggis is required to be provided in the interest of the country.
5. Muslims detained in jails on flimsy grounds across India be released forthwith and those who are under trial since long be dealt under track courts to do justice timely.
6. The madrassa education system in vogue in the country is required to be strengthened by providing sufficient funds and equipments so that quality education is imparted to students there.
7. To ensure wakf property in India yields desired revenue is required to be managed and administered efficiently, honestly and successfully for that a separate cadre of service is established. Currently, the wakf property is encroached and its revenue is bungled with the result, the due revenue is not realized.
8. The benefits of centrally sponsored schemes under implementation in India do not percolate down to Muslims as the implementing agencies exercise bias, hatred against Muslims and there is lack of accountability for officials working there.

It is to reiterate here that all communities living in India resembles a human body and if any part of this body is diseased the entire body falls sick. The Hindus who are extremist and think and propagate that India belongs to them, are simply harming the interests of entire country.

(The author Ex. DG Economics / Statistics, J&K State and can be contacted at: +91- 9858434696)